Two things happen around the holiday season.
First, everyone gets super busy, including your babysitter. Secondly, with all the warm fuzzies floating around, you can’t help but just want to spend more time together with your family.
Whichever category you fall into, our sister publication Little Rock Family has all the information on all the fun-for-the-whole-family happenings this season, so we swiped a few for our own list. Make sure you check out their Seasonal Events section for all the goods.
Let’s get rocking (around the Christmas tree).
Holiday Shopping Expo at Arkansas State Fairgrounds:
Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Support local vendors and small business owners while shopping for family and friends. We will have a variety of products and services, ranging from handmade, direct sellers, and wholesale items.
For info: (501) 504-5177 or click here.
23rd Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis at the Clinton Presidential Center and Park:
Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
Each year, hundreds of families, company teams, pets, and individual participants join in the fun, don festive costumes, and help raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation in support of programs and services statewide. There is a one-mile option, as well. Wear your favorite holiday costume, put jingle bells on your shoelaces, and get ready to walk or run. Dogs are welcome to participate.
For info: (501) 664-4591 or click here.
Tree Trimming at Laman Library in North Little Rock:
Dec. 6, 2-3 p.m.
The annual holiday celebration includes making an ornament to take home and more merriment than you could ever hope for.
For info: (501) 758-1720 or click here.
Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade and Capitol Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Little Rock:
Dec. 6, Parade 3 p.m.; Capitol lighting 6 p.m.
Come see Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudy the Reindeer in this annual parade through downtown Little Rock. Serving as this year’s Grand Marshal is Miss Arkansas 2014, Ashton Campbell. Beginning at Second and Broadway Streets, the Holiday parade starts at 3 p.m. and continues south on Broadway, west onto Capitol Ave. and ends at the State Capitol. Enjoy festive entries such as marching bands, floats, cars, animals and much more. Following the parade at 6 p.m., the Arkansas State Capitol will be lit, with Secretary of State Mark Martin and Santa Claus leading the festivities, which include fireworks, music and more.
For info: (501) 835-3399 or click here.
47th Annual Christmas Frolic at Historic Arkansas Museum:
Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas as it was in the 1800s with living history, carols, reenactments, live music, dancing and more. Visitors come from across the state every year for the famous hot cider and ginger cake, as well as Arkansas-made holiday shopping in the Museum Store.
For info: (501) 324-9351 or click here.
Nutcracker Tea at The Capital Hotel:
Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m.
Join the cast and characters of Ballet Arkansas’s annual holiday classic, The Nutcracker, as they take you on a narrated journey from Clara’s house through the Kingdom of Snow and into the Land of the Sweets. You’ll meet your favorite characters along the way and get to snack on delicious sweets with the cast after the performance.
For info: (501) 223-5150 or click here.
Hike in the Hills at Pinnacle Mountain State Park:
Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2-4:30 p.m.
Challenge yourself with a guided hike to one of the seven peaks of Pinnacle Mountain State Park on this off-trail expedition. Wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of water.
For info: (501) 868-5806 or click here.
Arkansas Craft Guild’s 36th Annual Christmas Showcase at the Statehouse Convention Center:
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This holiday shopping extravaganza features quality art and fine crafts, both traditional and contemporary, by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild and their guests. More than 100 artists offer a unique array of fine handcrafted work, including pottery, woodworking, fiber art, glass, photography, jewelry, gourmet foods, and more.
For info: (870) 269-4120 or click here.